The City of Charlottetown is pleased to announce the Confederation Trail lighting project is completed. The public is encouraged to experience an evening stroll along the refurbished portion of the Confederation Trail in Charlottetown where the new ‘dark-sky compliant’ lighting illuminates the path.

The upgrades to the trail were made possible by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) through a $500,000 contribution from the Innovative Communities Fund (ICF).

"The Confederation Trail is a vital part of our City, contributing to the overall quality of life in Charlottetown," said Mayor Clifford Lee. "We encourage our residents and visitors to take advantage of this newly lighted section of the Confederation Trail. We thank Councillor Mitchell Tweel, Chair of our Parks, Recreation and Leisure Activities Committee for his role in bringing this project forward and ACOA for their continued support of projects that enhance our Island and our community."

"Congratulations to Mayor Lee and the City of Charlottetown on the completion of this project," said Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown. "The Victoria Park Boardwalk is a very popular way to enjoy our scenic ocean views, and the Confederation Trail is also growing in popularity for its views of the night skies. We are very lucky to live in a place with so little light pollution compared to larger cities, and the new "dark-sky compliant" lighting will help keep it that way for all of us to enjoy."

The new lighting reduces the amount of light pollution caused by the use of artificial lighting within city limits. It was installed along the 2.5 kilometre section of the Confederation Trail between Belvedere Avenue and the arterial highway.

"The Confederation Trail is one of the City’s most visible and highly used recreational infrastructures," said Councillor Mitchell Tweel, Chair of the Parks, Recreation and Leisure Activities Committee. "In 2014, the City had undertaken a multi-year program to light a portion of the trail. With the support of ACOA, the City was able to complete this lighting of the trail in 2016. The public response has been extremely positive since this project has extended the time that the trail can be used, especially in the fall and winter when there is less daylight."